Berkley supports Pelosi for House Democratic leader

WASHINGTON -- Rep. Shelley Berkley, D-Nev., will support House Speaker Nancy Pelosi for minority leader, spokesman David Cherry said Monday.

Pelosi announced Friday she would run for House Democratic leader although some Democrats have called for new leadership in the wake of Election Day losses.

Cherry offered no more information about what had prompted Berkley to support Pelosi now after declining to take a stand on Friday.

Berkley and her husband were traveling Monday to Israel for a weeklong trip organized by the American Israeli Public Affairs Committee.

She is scheduled to meet with Israel Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Palestinian Prime Minister Salam Fayyad and Jerusalem Mayor Nir Barkat.

"The focus of discussion will be the peace talks and the need for the Palestinians to remain at the table. The ongoing threat posed by Iran is also likely to be a topic of dialogue between the congresswoman and ... Netanyahu," Cherry said.

Berkley and her husband are paying for the trip out of their own pocket, he said.

Also, Berkley issued a statement in support of Maryland Rep. Steny Hoyer's bid to be minority whip. He is expected to face a challenge for the second-in-command slot from Rep. James Clyburn, D-S.C.